Bratislava is the capital city of Slovakia – not known for provoking admiring swoons; it intrigues instead. Forest-fringed riverbanks frame a castle that presides over a pastel-hued old town. Despite the march of modernism, Bratislava is green. It banks the Danube River, by the Austrian border, and its hilly parks are threaded with hiking and biking trails. The Male Karpaty (Small Carpathians) roll north, with vineyards in their lowlands.

Bratislava feels like a frenetic mix of wild and urban, classic and contemporary: it became the capital of newly independent Slovakia only in 1993. The Slovakian government have preserved spires and squares from its 18th-century heyday, but now socialist-era monuments have begun to emerge. Bratislava’s nightlife is crowd-pleasing whether you prefer beer halls or rooftop cocktails. This city can be summed up in one word: Exciting.

Bratislava experiences a chilly climate during the winter months; however the sun shines for an average of five hours daily, allowing for crisp and bright days.

Business Hours

Business hours are usually 10:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday and 10:00 to 19:00 on a Saturday. Shops will usually close earlier on Sundays.

Climate

The average daytime temperatures in Bratislava during November are:

High:

7°C / 45°F

Low:

1°C / 34°F

Communications

To call the UK dial 00 44 then the area dialling code, omitting the zero.

To call Slovakia dial 00 421 then the area dialling code, omitting the zero.
The area dialling code for Bratislava is 2.

Please note that making calls from your hotel bedroom may be expensive. Please check the rate before you dial.

To make an emergency call from a fixed telephone, dial the appropriate number from the list below. This call is free from all public phones but should only be made in case of a serious emergency.

155

Ambulance

150

Fire

158

Police

To call the above numbers from a mobile, ensure you add 00 421 2 before the emergency service you require.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the major towns and tourist attractions of Slovakia. Bank machines are available and debit cards are also widely used.

Currency

The currency in Bratislava and indeed all of Slovakia is the Euro. At the time of going to print the exchange rate is: 1 GBP (£) = 1.12 EURO (€).

Customs

Travelling within the EU: There are no limits imposed on importing tobacco and alcohol products from one EU country to another. Travellers should note that they may be required to prove at Customs that any goods purchased are for personal use only. Exports that are prohibited include dairy and meat products, wild flora and fauna and precious metals.

Dietary Requirements

Please ensure that you inform the MRG Overseas Conference Team of any dietary requirements (allergies, strong dislikes etc.) when you register on the website. Unless we are notified before your trip we cannot guarantee any special meals.

Disabled Access / Medical Requirements

Please ensure that you inform the MRG Overseas Conference Team of any disability or medical requirements when you register on the website and suitable arrangements will be made for you.

Electricity

Electricity in Slovakia is 230V, with a frequency of 50hz, the following plugs are used:

If you require special medicine, you should bring sufficient quantities to cover the duration of your stay since it cannot be guaranteed that the same medication is available locally under the same brand name. It is also advised that you carry the original packaging for any medication you are taking with you should the authorities wish to ask any questions regarding this.

Language

The official language of Slovakia is Slovak. English, German and Polish are also common languages spoken in Bratislava.

Laws

Alcohol
Public drinking is now banned in Bratislava and there are fines for breaking this law. Unruly or rowdy behaviour between 22:00 and 06:00 is illegal and could attract the attention of the police. It is an offence in Bratislava Old Town to drink alcohol in the street. There may be exceptions for seasonal markets (such as the Christmas Market) and outside seating areas of restaurants and bars. Drinking alcohol (for example bought in a supermarket) in other public areas could result in a fine of €33.

Jay-walking
In Slovakia, it is illegal to cross roads other than at pedestrian crossings if there is a pedestrian crossing within 50 metres. Any crossing above that distance is legal. If not regulated by traffic lights pedestrians have priority on pedestrian crossings over cars, but not over trams. However pedestrians are required to wait for the safe moment to cross and so cars usually don't stop as soon as there are pedestrians around (as usual in some other European countries where pedestrians can typically cross without any waiting).

Passports and Visas

If you hold a UK passport, provided you are specifically described in the passport as a ‘British Citizen’ or are an EU Citizen, you do not require a visa to enter Bratislava but need to hold a passport valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required. If you are not a ‘British Citizen’ or an EU Citizen, please check with your local embassy regarding your entry into Slovakia.

Make sure your passport is in a presentable state before you travel. The Slovak authorities can refuse entry if your passport is worn or damaged, or looks as if it’s been tampered with.

You must carry your passport with you at all times as identification. Keep it safe in a zipped up pocket or secure bag and keep the details separately in case you lose it.

Safety

When you first arrive in your hotel room, please take a moment to familiarise yourself with the fire procedures and be aware of the nearest emergency exit route.

As with all major destinations Bratislava is not immune to problems of petty theft so please take care of your belongings when in crowded places, shopping or out at night.

Smoking

Smoking is banned in public places, including bars and pubs, cafés and restaurants, public transport, cinemas, theatres and hospitals except in designated smoking rooms. Many establishments offer an outside seating option for smokers, with some of these being equipped with heaters for the cooler months.

Taxis and Trams

When using taxis try, where possible, to book your taxi through the hotel or a venue as almost any car can be registered as a taxi in Bratislava and will get a yellow taxi plate on the roof. Bratislava has about 20 separate taxi firms with over 2,000 vehicles and at least one hundred additional drivers who are not signed up with any firm. Taxis that carry a sign with the name of a taxi service are generally a cheaper and safer option than unmarked cars with only a yellow taxi light on the roof.

Trams are the most popular and fastest form of public transport in the city. They are reliable and on time and generally run from 05:00- 23:30. You need to purchase a ticket before boarding and ensure that you validate it upon boarding the tram.

Time Difference

The local time at the time of travel will be one hour ahead of the UK (UTC+1).

Tipping

10% is an adequate amount to tip in Bratislava and is done so at your own discretion.